Power is routed from the main circuit breaker to branch circuit breakers. By flipping this switch to OFF, you can cut all power to your home. This switch controls the flow of power to the branch circuit breakers also located in the service panel. The power line entering your home first passes through the main circuit breaker. If you have an older home you may have a fuse box that performs the same function. The service panel is known by many names: breaker panel, breaker box, service panel, and distribution panel are some of the common ones. Your breaker panel is where the process begins. Once past the electric meter, electricity must be distributed throughout your home to the switches, outlets, appliances, and other devices that need power. If you ever have questions or concerns about your meter, contact your electricity provider. It’s the responsibility of the utility to install and maintain the meter. It’s important to know that you don’t own the electric meter. Bi-directional meters measure both the power coming in, and the power you’re sending out. If you produce your own power, via solar panels or some other source, you may be able to sell the excess power you produce back to the power company. Bi-directional meters - Most electric meters only measure the power you consume.These units have digital displays and can be read remotely. Smart meters - These electronic meters can communicate directly with the power company, allowing more accurate tracking of when and how much power you’re using.Usually, a power company employee must manually read the meter so they know how much power your home has used. While the technology for these is pretty old school, they are still fairly common. Electromechanical - If your electric meter has a series of dials and a spinning disc behind a glass cover, you’ve got an electromechanical meter.There are three types of electrical meters. That’s the job of the electric meter, which is located between the mains and your home and measures the amount of power that your home consumes. But before you can use the electricity in your home, the power company needs to know how much power you’re using. The mains can be above-ground or buried underground. Unless you’re partly or wholly off the grid, your electricity comes to you via your electric company’s mains. Do you want to add more outlets, new switches, or smart features to your home’s electrical system? How about adding a standby generator or other device? Understanding your home’s electrical basics can help you make informed decisions. Regular evaluation and maintenance of your home’s electrical basics may prevent problems from developing. An electrical problem in your home may not be quite as obvious as a leaky faucet. Knowing the basics of how electricity works in your home may prevent an unnecessary electrical fire. Over 6% of home fires are caused by electrical issues. As a homeowner, it’s important to know enough about the basic components of your system to make smart decisions about safety, maintenance, and upgrades. Your power company takes care of getting power to your home, but once it enters your home, everything related to your home’s electrical system - wiring, switches, outlets, fixtures - is your responsibility. Why Understanding Your System is Important
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